atlanticleague.com

(New Britain, Conn., April 7, 2017) – New Britain Bees team officials today announced that the team has signed right handed pitchers Casey Coleman and Mike Hepple for the 2017 season. Coleman is the fourth pitcher with Major League Baseball experience signed for this season, while Hepple becomes the fourth Connecticut native to sign in New Britain in 2017, joining Anthony Marzi (Berlin), Shawn Gilblair (Willimantic) and Jovan Rosa (East Hartford).

Coleman, 29, was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft, and started his professional career after being drafted again by the Cubs, this time in the 15th round of the 2008 MLB Draft. The 6-foot right hander spent parts of four seasons in the Major Leagues, including three seasons with the Cubs from 2010-2012. A native of Ft. Myers, Florida, Coleman has appeared in 58 MLB games, and has played nine seasons of professional baseball overall, tossing 971.1 innings and with 672 career strikeouts and a career era of 4.02. Coleman’s father and grandfather, both named Joe, each played multiple seasons in Major League Baseball.

The 26-year old Hepple spent the last three seasons in the New York Mets organization, reaching the Double-A level last year. The 6-foot-5 right hander is a graduate of Southington High School, and played with Bees’ Pitching Coach Shawn Gilblair at Eastern Connecticut. Hepple started his professional career in independent baseball in 2013 before signing with the Mets, and has appeared in 118 professional games across four seasons. In 183 career innings, Hepple owns a 3.79 lifetime earned run average to go with 113 strikeouts.

“Casey brings great MLB experience and Mike is an exciting local talent,” said Bees Manager Stan Cliburn. “Both will be great additions to our roster this season.”

About the New Britain Bees

The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, playing all home games at New Britain Stadium. Opening Night is April 21st against the York Revolution, with first pitch at 6:35 PM. Tickets for the 2017 season, including Season Tickets and Mini-Plans, are available by calling 860-826-BEES (2337), online at NBBees.com, or by visiting the New Britain Bees’ Front Office.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.